Orc Wars 2 : Lazarus

Chapter 2 - Lazarus's Orb Trial Part 1

Azazel, Warlock Level 58 and his group of two other Warlocks, an Assassin and a Priest appeared at the mouth of the Assassin's Path. The narrow passage cut through a rocky mountain and was said to be an assassin's paradise. It was designed by Lazarus and could only be assessed via acceptance of the Gate Keeper's quest. The innocent looking road ahead was full of lurking dangers waiting to ambush and kill the unsuspecting Player.

"Is this the right place?"

"Yes, my Lord. No one has ever succeeded in taking Lazarus's Orb yet. They say you have to think like an assassin to get through but until now, even the most skilled assassins have failed."

"The thing is ..."Azazel drawled thoughtfully, "... not to think like an assassin but to think like a Lazarus. That's where you come in Nyx." He turned to the assassin in the group.

Nyx, Assassin Level 55 smiled acknowledging her team leader. They were depending on her assassin's senses to get a feel of the Trial. Also, she was a big fan of Lazarus and had followed all his exploits, so she might have some clues to his style of thinking.

"Now all we have to do is invoke that Gate Keeper for the Trial. He cannot refuse. We are all eligible."

"Ready?" Azazel asked his group and raised his voice. "Gate Keeper, we have come for your Portal Orb. We demand to take your Trial. What is your quest?"

Usually an NPC lookalike dressed as the original Player would be on standby and would materialise if the Player did not appear within 5 seconds. After all, the Player was only human and could not be online twenty four seven. If a challenger wanted to try the Orb Trial, the Lazarus NPC look-a-like would have a standard script describing the trial. It would allow any who was eligible and politely deny access to those who failed the set criteria.

However, Lazarus tried to be there personally. Some questions could not be answered by an NPC ... and he liked to see the Players' reactions when they realised it was really him. It was fun. It kept them on their toes and made the Game experience more engaging. Simtrixx appreciated his efforts and so did the Players. It made his Trial very popular indeed. Some came just to look or talk to him, not take the Trial at all.

"Over there!!" a Priest shouted pointing with his staff to the opposite wall.

Lord Lazarus dressed richly in black and silver appeared on a high ridge jutting out the rocky wall. He looked every inch the deadly enigmatic assassin he was supposed to be. A gentle breeze blew at him, lifting his long dark hair playfully. He watched them quietly for a while assessing the group below him.

"It's an NPC, it just appeared."

"No, I think it's really him. He must have ported in."

Azazel stared at the familiar dark figure. Up close, the legendary avatar was even better than the promotional posters, advertisements and videos. Everyone who played Orc Wars was familiar with the five winners from Season One.

How the hell could Lazarus look so relaxed and lethal at the same time? Azazel had heard the assassin kept various weapons hidden on his body. No one knew how many exactly, there was always one more than expected. The Warlock knew he was a good Player but he had no doubts the assassin before him could kill him in an instant. Lazarus was known for his speed and accuracy.

There was just something about him. The legend on the ledge emanated a deadly confident aura. He just stood there, unmoving, assessing them. It unnerved Azazel.

The Warlock clenched his teeth. He should keep his cool in front of his group. As their 'leader' he shouldn't show them how awed he was. Lazarus made an imposing figure indeed.